duke of gloucester

Update on 71000 January 2014

The following statement has now been issued by 71000 Trust chairman John Bennett 

The 71000 (Duke of Gloucester) Steam Locomotive Trust Ltd and Phoenix Heritage Rail Ltd will continue in name only for the time being though it is anticipated that the assets will be transferred to the new trust (BR Class 8 Locomotive Trust) followed by closure of both organisations within a six month period. The first priority will be to draw up final accounts for the year ending 31^st December 2013 before any transfers occur. Very shortly all members and friends will be receiving instructions as to how current memberships will be transferred to the new trust and to future renewal terms and rates. This will inevitably involve the cancellation of existing bankers order mandates and the submission of new ones.

On Wednesday January 29^th the inaugural meeting of the BR Class 8 Steam Locomotive Trust is due to take place. The intention is that this meeting will map out the future of the trust and the locomotive. Hopefully we will soon be able to advise of our plans to finance the impending overhaul and who the appointed contractor will be to carry out the work required.